Outline

Introduction: The impact of gender in elderly patients on outcome after cardiac surgery is still controversial. Objective of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that females have a worse outcome compared to males after cardiac surgery.

Materials and methods: Between January 2006 and August 2009, a total of 598 patients (274 female, 324 male) between 70 and 89 years (299 septuagenarians, 299 octogenarians) were retrospectively reviewed. Primary endpoint was in-hospital and 30-day mortality, whereas postoperative morbidity was considered as secondary endpoint.

Conclusion: In elderly patients, female gender is not associated with increased morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. They can be operated on at an acceptable risk and should not be denied the benefits of surgery. Further adjustment of risk stratification is needed.